Two Hundreds, One DRS Mistake: How India Bat Afghanistan Out of the Game on Day 1

India captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain KL Rahul struck commanding centuries as the hosts piled up 368/3 at stumps on Day 1 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur.

While Rahul continued his impressive run in red-ball cricket with his 12th Test hundred, Gill remained unbeaten on a captain's knock, putting India firmly in control heading into Day 2.

KL Rahul Makes Afghanistan Pay For Costly DRS Error

KL Rahul once again underlined why he remains one of India's most reliable Test batters.

The opener survived an early scare when Afghanistan declined to review a caught-behind appeal off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi. Replays later showed a clear edge, handing Rahul a significant reprieve.

Afghanistan would regret that decision.

After

a watchful start, Rahul gradually settled into his rhythm and brought up his fifty shortly after lunch before converting it into his 12th Test century in 164 deliveries.

The hundred was another landmark in Rahul's resurgent Test career and also made Afghanistan the sixth different opponent against whom he has scored a Test century.

However, his stay ended immediately after reaching the milestone. Having brought up his century on the first ball of the 61st over, Rahul attempted an expansive stroke off the very next delivery and was caught by Rahmanullah Gurbaz off Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.

He departed for a well-crafted 100 off 165 balls, including 11 boundaries.

Shubman Gill Leads From The Front

If Rahul laid the platform, Gill ensured India finished the day in complete control.

The Indian skipper looked comfortable from the moment he arrived at the crease, rotating strike fluently while punishing anything loose from the Afghan bowlers.

Gill reached his 11th Test century in 138 deliveries, bringing up the milestone with 11 fours and a six.

The century continues a remarkable run for the Indian captain, who has enjoyed a prolific start to his leadership tenure. After scoring heavily during the England series last year, Gill once again showcased his ability to anchor an innings while maintaining a healthy scoring rate.

He remained unbeaten on 103 at stumps and will look to convert the hundred into a much bigger score on Day 2.

Sai Sudharsan Misses Out On Maiden Test Hundred

Before the Gill-Rahul partnership took control, Sai Sudharsan impressed with an attractive knock of 81.

The left-hander mixed elegance with aggression and struck 13 boundaries during his innings. Although he survived a couple of chances, he looked largely comfortable and played several eye-catching strokes through the leg side.

Sudharsan eventually fell short of what would have been a maiden Test century, but his contribution helped India establish a strong foundation.

The 139-run stand between Sudharsan and Rahul took Afghanistan out of the contest during the middle session.

Afghanistan Struggle For Answers

Afghanistan's bowlers showed discipline in patches but lacked the firepower needed to consistently trouble India's batting lineup on a flat Mullanpur surface.

Mohammad Saleem Safi claimed two wickets, while Ziaur Rahman Sharifi picked up Rahul's prized scalp.

However, missed opportunities, including the crucial non-review against Rahul, proved costly as India capitalised fully.

India vs Afghanistan Day 1 Summary

India 368/3 in 85 overs

• Shubman Gill 103* (138)

• KL Rahul 100 (165)

• Sai Sudharsan 81

• Rishabh Pant 50*+

Wickets

• Mohammad Saleem Safi 2
• Ziaur Rahman Sharifi 1

With two centurions already on the board and Gill still unbeaten, India will look to push beyond the 500-run mark on Day 2 and bat Afghanistan out of the contest.